Top athletes from the Air and Space Force shine on the international stage

From Europe to Asia, the Aviators are performing one after another and confirming their place among the world elite in several disciplines. Between international titles, podiums and notable returns to competition, these results also illustrate the support put in place by the Air and Space Force for high-level athletes. These Airmen are part of the Army of Champions system, which brings together more than 200 high-level athletes within the Joinville battalion, managed by the National Defense Sports Center (CNSD). This system allows athletes to reconcile a sporting career and commitment to the service of the Nation.

At the beginning of May, Sergeant Nicolas Gestin won the ICF World Ranking in Ivrea, Italy, in canoe slalom. Olympic champion at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Aviator thus confirms his status among the world’s best in the discipline. HAS” I’m happy to start the start of the season with a victory over ICF Ivrea. This is the future pool of the 2026 European Championships, it’s a major title that I still miss» he confided. He also took the 5^e place during the World Cup in Tacen (Slovenia), played from May 25 to 31, confirming its consistency at the highest international level.

In sports shooting, the aviator of 1^re class Romain Aufrère won at the Grand Prix de la Liberation de Plzen, in the Czech Republic, in the 50 meter event three positions. A victory obtained in a particular context after a recent injury. HAS” It was above all a recovery competitionhe explains. The goal was to see what it would be like after this little break. Victory is always nice.»

Performances in several disciplines

In track cycling, Corporal Rayan Helal also distinguished himself during the Japan Cup held in Izu City, Japan, on May 14 and 15. The Aviator took seventh place in the sprint before finishing 5^e du keirin à l’occasion de la Track Cup 2.

In beach volleyball, corporals Lézana Placette and Alexia Richard took third place at the Challenge in Xiamen, China, an event which took place from May 13 to 17. They also took 9^e place of the Nuvali Challenge (Malaysia), organized from May 18 to 26, confirming their regular presence on the international circuit.

In sailing, Sergeant Lauriane Nolot won the Formula Kite World Championship in Viano do Castelo, Portugal. The Olympic vice-champion thus wins her third world title after those of 2023 and 2024.

In fencing, during the World Cup in Lima (Peru), held from May 22 to 24 in saber, aviator Sarah Noutcha won individually and finished 2^e by team, signing a very high level performance on the international stage.

As for the modern pentathlon, the aviatrix of 2^e class Louison Cazaly distinguished himself by taking sixth place in the World Cup in Pazardžik, Bulgaria. A performance which also highlights the support she benefits from within the Air and Space Force.

Sports sponsorship, a strengthened link with the units

Louison Cazaly’s journey is now part of a sponsorship with the Cazaux air base (BA) 120 and the Defense Sports Military Academy (AMSD). This system formalizes the link between the high-level sportswoman and her home unit, fully integrating her into the system for high-level athletes in the armed forces.

Through this sponsorship, meeting and immersion times are organized with the Airmen, making it possible to create a link between sports preparation and the military environment. An initiative which strengthens both cohesion, the visibility of sports courses and the army-Nation link.

High-level sport as a vector of influence

These results also illustrate the role of the CNSD, based in Fontainebleau, which supports military athletes in their preparation and monitoring. For Romain Aufrère, this status represents above all “an honor ”. «ÂBeing able to be supported like they do is awesomehe confides, also evoking his personal attachment to the aeronautics world. This is an area in which I find myself greatly. »